Ke Ao Hāli'i

Ke Ao Hāli‘i (protective blanket of clouds) was formed early in 2018 with the purpose to protect Hāna lands. Our vision is that Hāna coastal lands and ocean are protected and full of life that provides for our 'ohana. Kanaka Maoli and the community work together to manage the 'āina. Our kupuna 'iwi are at peace and our culture is alive and passed to future generations.

On March 1st, 2018, our humble community of Hāna received a wake-up call; it came in the form of a prospective buyer, eager to purchase approximately 46 acres of pristine coastline along Makaʻalae, four miles south of Hāna town. While plans for the property were unknown and the buyer was open to community input, the reality of the situation was clear: Hāna’s coastline could soon be developed. With this event as a catalyst, Ke Ao Hāliʻi was formed soon thereafter. In April 2018 we registered as a nonprofit organization with the state of Hawai‘i, and in June 2018 our 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status was approved by the IRS.

Our purpose is to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Hāna moku and the customary and traditional practices of Native Hawaiians of the region; to hold title to and own interests in real property or to hold easements; to preserve and manage the area's natural, cultural, scenic, historic and marine resources for the benefit, education and enjoyment of our community and future generations. Please check out our website and follow us on Facebook.